The Takeaway: China moves to elevate its role in Middle East, but faces odds Also: Bibi ignored on Iran; Nile dam mediation; the UAE and Somaliland; Russia and Saudi Arabia; Turkey and Uighurs; the kingdom’s night lights; and more! By Andrew Parasiliti , Elizabeth Hagedorn , Joe Snell
Turkey blasts 'unfounded allegations' in US human rights report The annual US government report described "significant human rights issues" in Turkey. News Brief
Libyan National Army prisoners of war released The move was a further sign of reconciliation between Libya's rival administrations. Libya
Former Egyptian PM Kamal al-Ganzouri dies at 88 Ganzouri, who died in a hospital following a "long struggle with illness," twice held the title of prime minister. News Brief
Shipwreck leads to at least five deaths off Libyan coast Mediterranean crossings from Libya are continuing, despite dangers. Libya
Egypt eyes liquefied gas exports to Asian markets For the first time in eight years, Egypt resumed operations of its two liquified natural gas stations in Idku and Damietta, a step many experts say would turn Cairo into a regional hub for LNG exports. Egypt
Cocaine video scandal deals blow to Turkey's ruling party A video that emerged of a member of Turkey's ruling AKP doing cocaine has stirred controversy, but it remains to be seen if the damage will be lasting. Turkey
Iraqi prime minister makes first visit to Saudi Arabia Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi made his first visit to Saudi Arabia in an effort to enhance ties between the two countries. Iraq
Syria donor conference raises $6.4B, far short of UN target Of the more than $6 billion raised during the pledging conference, $4.4 billion is set aside for this year. Syria
Iran's Rouhani: 'We have to pursue negotiations daily' Rouhani makes a public plea that Iran has waited two months and should hold talks on reentry into the nuclear deal. Iran
Israel’s president calls for unconventional alliances Associates of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lash out against President Reuven Rivlin after Rivlin called on Israeli politicians to consider out-of-the-ordinary alliances. Israel
Iranian foreign minister meets Afghan president The meeting follows the hosting of a Taliban delegation by Iran earlier this year. Iran is critical of the US military presence in Afghanistan, and the Biden administration has not committed to the May deadline to remove American troops from the country. News Brief
Yemen gets first shipment of COVID-19 vaccines The AstraZeneca doses arrived in Yemen as Doctors Without Borders warned of a dramatic increase in coronavirus cases. Yemen
Israel’s new parliament most divided yet Multitude of parties and internal division are a sure recipe for a chaotic 24th Knesset. Israel
Despite Baghdad-Erbil agreement, Iraq fails to pass federal budget bill Disagreements over the dollar exchange rate and foreign loans have blocked the parliament from passing the country's budget bill for a fifth time. Iraq
Egypt cultivates Burundi in shadow of Nile dam crisis Cairo is intensifying its diplomatic and political contacts with various African countries in an effort to gain support in Egypt's dispute with Addis Ababa over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Egypt
